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Displaced by Civil War: Kachin State Refugees in Myanmar Left with No Place to Call Home
Refugees in Myanmar: Those Who Have Lost Their Livelihoods
Since the Myanmar military's seizure of power from the democratic government in February 2021, backed by military force, at least 50,000 people have lost their lives, and 2.8 million have been displaced. Despite three years since the coup, the military's violence has continued to escalate.
Kachin State, one of the regions most severely affected by the conflict between the Myanmar military and rebel forces, reported the deaths of 27 civilians, including six children, in March alone. Furthermore, from January to May of this year, 11 villages were destroyed by bombings, displacing over 8,000 people from their homes.
Refugees in Myanmar's Kachin State Living in Temporary Shelters
Refugees Among Refugees: Refugees with Disabilities
Residents of Kachin State, Myanmar, are fleeing in fear of further bombings. Those who have reached relatively safer areas are living in temporary refugee camps established by NGOs like the Miral Welfare Foundation. However, life in these camps remains precarious. The ongoing instability has driven prices up, leading to shortages of essential goods, including food.
The situation is especially dire for vulnerable groups among the refugees, such as people with disabilities. Stigmatizing attitudes toward disabilities have resulted in discrimination and marginalization even within the refugee community, leaving them without access to basic rights and support.
Disability Rights Training for Guardians of Children with Disabilities
The Miral Welfare Foundation is implementing support programs for refugees with disabilities in Kachin State, Myanmar, who are facing particularly challenging circumstances. Through self-help groups for people with disabilities, the foundation helps both the participants and their guardians establish psychological and social support networks. In addition, it provides skills training aimed at increasing income, enabling people with disabilities to achieve greater independence. The foundation also offers education for guardians, including parents of children with disabilities, on caregiving methods tailored to specific types of disabilities, helping them raise their children in a healthy environment.
Children with Disabilities Engaged in Activities to Enhance Physical Function
Refugees Facing Double Hardship Amid Flooding
The situation in Kachin State, Myanmar, has recently become increasingly dire. Since late June, heavy rainfall has caused flooding, with rivers overflowing on July 1 and resulting in the collapse of refugee camps and bamboo shelters located in low-lying areas. This flood is among the most severe in Kachin State's history, both in scale and impact. Over 15,000 people have been displaced, forcing refugees to seek shelter once again. People with disabilities, who were already facing significant challenges, now find themselves in an even more precarious situation due to the recent flooding.
Temporary Refugee Shelters Collapsed Due to Flooding
Reaching Out to Support Refugees in Kachin State
The Miral Welfare Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign to assist refugees in Kachin State, Myanmar, who are struggling due to both civil war and flooding. If you are interested in contributing, you may apply for sponsorship through the Miral Welfare Foundation's website. The funds raised will be used to provide food and temporary housing for the refugees. Additionally, donations will support awareness initiatives, care, and education to ensure that disabled refugees can access their basic rights.
Refugees in Kachin State, Myanmar, Receiving Livelihood Support Kits from the Miral Welfare Foundation
To support refugees with disabilities facing particularly difficult circumstances, the Miral Welfare Foundation is applying its expertise in disability welfare programs developed in Korea to assist those in Kachin State, Myanmar. We urge you to remain attentive to the escalating conflict in Myanmar and the survival crisis impacting refugees in the region.